Chapter 194

Alexander spoke with measured caution. "We couldn't risk alerting them. If we hadn't staged this, we'd never have witnessed the depths of human treachery. To achieve their goals, they'd tarnish family honor, harm innocents, even murder their own blood."

Julian erupted in fury. "Lies! I have video proof on my phone! Olivia and William were clearly inappropriate! Everyone saw them embracing publicly! I'm telling the truth!"

The crowd Julian had incited began to settle. Everyone knew Eleanor Hawthorne—Julian's mother and William's youngest daughter—was suspected of attempting patricide.

The Whitmore family drama was a tangled web. If Julian's claims about their rightful inheritance were true, why would Eleanor poison William?

Moreover, Olivia and William's affectionate hug displayed nothing but familial warmth—transparent and innocent.

Alexander cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, family disputes are delicate matters. I ask you all to bear witness. Since Julian and Eleanor returned to the Whitmore estate, they've sown nothing but chaos. They've even self-harmed to frame me for assault. Failing to sway the family, they resorted to slandering my grandfather. Eleanor poisoned William for inheritance—I caught her red-handed. Their villainy is undeniable."

"Regarding Julian's video, Miss Rossi confirmed the footage wasn't even shot in my grandfather's hospital suite. It's clearly doctored. We'll have it forensically analyzed. If fabricated, Julian faces legal consequences. Let this be clear: Whitmore Holdings' legal team doesn't tolerate defamation."

The revelation stunned the gathering. Those who'd believed Julian and mocked Olivia now burned with shame.

Dozens of furious glares turned toward Julian and Evelyn, realizing they'd been manipulated into offending the Whitmores.

Evelyn cursed inwardly. Julian's incompetence had turned certain victory into disaster. If only she hadn't trusted this fool, she wouldn't be implicated now.

Evelyn hid behind Liam, whispering urgently, "Liam, these people are terrifying. Take me home. Now."

Before Liam could respond, Isabella blocked Evelyn's escape, smirking. "Miss Hartley, wasn't it you who called me a shameless mistress and threw stones? Your crocodile apology meant nothing. Clearly, you and Julian plotted this together."

Evelyn's voice cracked with false bravado. "This has nothing to do with me! Olivia has enemies everywhere. Julian deceived me too!"

Julian, panicking, lunged at Evelyn, clutching her ankle. "You can't abandon me now! You approached me with stories about Olivia clinging to Liam! You promised Blackwood support if things went south! This was your scheme—don't you dare deny it!"

Evelyn's face purpled with rage. "Release me! This is your mess, not mine! You manipulated me!"

Her desperate denials only cemented public disbelief.

The truth crystallized for all: Evelyn and Julian had conspired together.

Under the crowd's scorching contempt, Evelyn's composure shattered. "What are you gawking at? Remove this lunatic immediately!"

Olivia observed the spectacle with icy detachment.

Beyond Evelyn and Julian's humiliation, she studied Liam's reaction. Yet his expression remained unreadable as ever.

Did Liam feel remorse? Pity for Evelyn? Perhaps he truly cared for her.

Alexander stepped forward, amusement dancing in his eyes as he addressed the hysterical Evelyn. "Miss Hartley, Julian is a Whitmore matter. How we handle him is none of your concern. But rest assured—we'll uncover every accomplice in this plot against my grandfather. All will face justice."

Evelyn wobbled on her heels, nails biting into her palms. "How dare you imply—This is my birthday gala! I have every right to eject disruptors!"

Alexander chuckled. "Then perhaps you shouldn't have staged such a dramatic disruption."

"You—!" Evelyn nearly choked on her fury.

Liam pulled her back, his sculpted features glacial.

Evelyn's voice turned saccharine. "Mr. Whitmore, must you terrorize me to defend Olivia? I understand she's hurt, but must I bear the brunt? Liam, they're being monstrous!"

Liam ignored her, locking gazes with Alexander. The air crackled with tension.

Alexander arched a brow. "Mr. Blackwood, playing white knight? Let me be clear—we won't spare anyone who harmed Olivia."

Liam's voice cut like Arctic ice. "Olivia is my wife. I'll handle this."

The words "my wife" sent Olivia's pulse skittering.